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How many new bird species did we see on Global Big Day?

Today we embarked on a boat trip from the port of Chipiona to celebrate Global Big Day, the annual world's birding challenge. Our journey took place on a 12-metre-long vessel, carrying a group of ten birdwatchers. We sailed more than thirty kilometres off the coast which allowed us to encounter a plethora of awe-inspiring bird species. The boat's size allowed us to move around comfortably, ensuring everyone had a front-row seat for the incredible sights that awaited us.



Foggy coastline with a lighthouse
Slightly foggy conditions as we sailed out of the port

We were treated to a veritable avian extravaganza, with an array of birds which included Gannets, Sandwich Terns, Cormorants, Grey Herons, Shearwaters and Petrels. Each species brought its unique charm and character to the expedition.



Boat leaving a port
We left the port under foggy circumstances





Pomarine Jaeger having a quarrel with a Sandwich Tern
Pomarine Jaeger having a serious quarrel with a Sandwich Tern


Pomarine Jaeger fighting with a Sandwich Tern



Black bird flying over the ocean



However, capturing the sheer beauty of these feathered friends proved to be a challenge. The boat constantly swayed and rocked, making it difficult to take clear photos. The birds' graceful movements left us in awe, but our attempts to capture these moments in photographs often resulted in whimsical, if not blurry, shots. Nevertheless, these challenges added an element of adventure to the journey.




Juvenile Gannet photographed against the sun
Juvenile Gannet photographed against the sun



Gannet flying low over the ocean
Gannet (adult)


Juvenile Gannet
Juvenile Gannet



Bird flying low over the water



Bird floating on the water



Bird flying over the ocean








Two Yellow-legged Gulls flying over the ocean
Two Yellow-legged Gulls flying alongside the boat






Which bird do you think was bigger?


Bird flying low over the water














Gannet in flight




Gannet and a gull




Can anyone ID this species?


Our excursion lasted a total of six hours, though it felt like time had flown by. The mist we had when we left the port soon lifted, revealing a bright, sunny day on the water. In my opinion the highlight of the day were the many Gannets, a bird you normally can't get very close to onshore. If you ever have the opportunity to embark on such a journey, seize it, you won't regret it! You may be even lucky enough to spot some cetaceans.







Osprey sitting at the top of a lighthouse
Look who's there. An Osprey!


Close-up of a Gannet in flight
One of the many Gannets approaching the boat


Little Egret
Back in the port, we spotted a few Little Egrets


Great Black-backed Gull
Great Black-backed Gull


This is the list of the 16 bird species we observed (asterisk = lifers!)


  • Great Cormorant

  • Grey Heron

  • Gannet

  • Great Skua*

  • Pomarine Jaeger*

  • Parasitic Jaeger*

  • Yellow-legged Gull

  • Lesser Black-backed Gull

  • Great Black-backed Gull*

  • Scopoli's Shearwater

  • Balearic Shearwater

  • Storm Petrel

  • Great Shearwater*

  • Ruddy Turnstone

  • Osprey

  • Little Egret



Cheerio!




Yellow-legged Gull close-up
Yellow-legged Gull close-up

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